New York Yankees’ veteran Derek Jeter’s return still in doubt – MLB News
New York Yankees’ veteran shortstop Derek Jeter’s return is still in doubt after team manager Joe Girardi expressed his worries over his 17-year experienced campaigner and his lower leg soreness.
It was also the first official statement by the Yankees’ management who had been showing their concerns regarding Jeter’s potential return.
“I am not sure, we will have to see how he feels Tuesday, My hope is that he feels a lot better in 48 hours, but we are going to have to see.” Yankees’ skipper told the media in detail and tried to explain the current condition of their key player who will be crucial in the upcoming playoffs.
Girardi added with more detail and told the media about Jeter’s return saying, “But then he told me on the ball Robby Cano hit that got lost in the sun, he was running under control and that’s hard for him, I thought there was still a little limp there but he said it was hard because he was trying to run under control. I think it still hurts, I don’t think he is a shortstop right now.”
Girardi felt lower leg stiffness during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays but he was already carrying the bone bruise since Wednesday when they played against the Boston Red Sox.
Jeter has been playing a wonderful season this year. Before Sunday’s game, the Yankees' shortstop was playing with a .323 hitting average along with 15 homers, 55 RBIs and .366 OBP.
Yankees' management also understand how critical Jeter will be in the post-season. Yankees’ are already facing stiff competition in the American League East against the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays.
These teams have a fair chance to grab the post-season qualification especially the Orioles who are standing at 82-64 win-loss and a .562 winning percentage. However, the Yankees despite facing tough competition in their Division are sitting on top with 83-63 win-loss along with a .568 winning percentage. Therefore, the will need Jeter in the playoffs if they actually want to win this year’s World Series.
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